School Board Meeting December 14, 2009

Click here for an agenda for the meeting.

There was one member of the public addressing the school board. Eva Hale spoke against the school's suggestion to eliminate the feeder routes (agenda item 7D). She said that this showed a "lack of respect," that they (residents of 16 Springs) were being "slapped again" and this would cause their property values to go down.

When the feeder routes were addressed by the board, there was strong support for and against the them. Board member Doug Porch was strongly against eliminating the feeder routes, pointing out that the school board had been told "it's a wash" in terms of the effect the budget cuts would have on the school and that people in 16 Springs used to have a bus route. Bill Denny spoke just as passionately for eliminating the feeder routes, saying "if you want to live out there that's part of living out there" and stated that "the school shouldn't have to pay them to get to school." Transportation director Mike Richline addressed the board saying that if he had to cut 4% from the transportation budget that there wasn't much room to cut, since most of the budget was for contract expenses and contract rentals. In his opinion, the only areas to cut were maintenance, fuel or feeder routes. It was pointed out that these feeder routes were also in areas like Russia Canyon and Pinon. Superintendent Hancock's comment was that maintenance and fuel were not places that they could cut costs. No action was taken by the board on this item.

Due to the power outages and school cancellations of last week, the Financial Reports were not prepared, so items 6A and 6B of the agenda were not addressed.

In action item 7A, the board approved policy advisories 67 (GCCB) and 68 (GCCD) in their "second reading." Since these policy advisories were never read to the public, nor made available to the public at the meetings, I do not have the wording of these policies. Nor was I able to get copies from the Administration. I have been told that when they are updated they will be available on the school's web site. I have asked that "readings" of future policy advisories either be read to the public or a copy be made available to the public.

The board also approved several waivers for graduating seniors. These waivers dealt with NM History and competency testing. Two students that transferred their senior year had not had NM History since it wasn't required at their former schools.

The board approved Title I application amendments. It also received a packet for its annual evaluation of school superintendent Tommy Hancock. School board members are to turn their evaluations in by January 4th.

Letter for Seniors

This letter was handed out by Ms. Provencher at Seniors night this week. It is an excellent resource. If you do nothing else, be sure you commit the "top 10 pieces of college advice from Ms. P" to memory!

Book Fair at the Elementary/Middle School

The book fair will be running through Friday, November 20th in the Elementary school library. It usually runs until 4pm each afternoon.

Letter About 7th Grade Computer Class Test

I am posting an email that I sent today to Ms. Merrick (7th Grade "Computer Skills" teacher). I also cc'd Fred Wright (middle school principal) and Jean Davis (special education mentor). I am posting this because this blog is all about parents communicating. I won't know if any other parents share my concerns if I don't post what my concerns are. I also won't post any concerns that I haven't first sent to the school and asked them to address. I will post any reply that I receive under "comments."

Ms. Merrick,

I was going over Mitchell's progress report with him this evening and have some concerns regarding some of the computer grades.

I understand that typing is a big part of computing, and being able to type without looking at one's hands is a big part of typing. However, I fail to see the merit in turning the computer screen OFF while one is typing. Not only is this something that the students have not been practicing, but it seems to negate the idea of word processing. In fact, I don't know of any computing application where one must type and not be able to see the results of what you are typing in real time. Can you please explain to me why students were graded on something that they typed with the computer screen off, and how this is relevant to computing?

Thank you
Margo Whitt

No Middle/Elementary PAC Meeting Tonight

The Parent Advisory Committee meeting for the Middle/Elementary School has been cancelled.

Offer Your Input for Student and Parent Surveys

Both the Middle/Elementary and the High School Parent Advisory Committees have suggested that the students and parents be surveyed to determine their position on the quality of their education, what they would like to see changed/enhanced/improved/deleted, what they get the most/least out of, and why.

Since this survey is in the formative stages, it is a perfect time for you as students/parents/teachers to offer your suggestions as to areas that you would like to see addressed on this survey. The survey is being compiled by Ms. Provencher's intern, Ms. Kris Butson. You can email Kris at krisbutson@msn.com.

For example, I would like the students to offer input on which classes they find the most interesting, which are the least interesting, and why. What teacher inspires them the most/least and why? What do they think of the technology that is available at the school? What programs would they like to see added to the school and what programs would they like to see dropped? What would they change about their least interesting class to make it more interesting?

If you have some thoughts/suggestions for the survey, be sure to email them to Kris and feel free to post your comments here, too!

Alamogordo Daily News School Board Meeting Coverage

The Alamogordo Daily News coverage of the school board meeting is here.

Other School Board Action Items

There were no visitors speaking at tonight's meeting.

As to action items:
1. First reading of policy advisories 67-GCCB and 68-GCCD
Since these weren't read to the public, I don't know what they said. No copies were available at the meeting other than those that the board received. The discussion seemed to indicate that these were the result of new laws and dealt with military leave, domestic abuse leave and subpoena leave. No motion was made regarding this action item.
2. Approve application for 100 KW PV Solar Energy Grant
Board member Doug Porch asked Mike Richline (Transportation Director and author of the grant application) where the solar panels would go and was told that they would be mounted on poles in the niches on the front of the High School. Since the high school roof is more than 5 years old, the grant will not allow the panels to be roof-mounted. Mike said the solar panels would be protected with some kind of fencing. He said there would be a total of 30-40 mounted tracking poles with 12-16 panels per pole. (By my estimation, this is approximately 7,800 sq. feet of solar panels.) Based upon current electricity rates, the school estimates that these panels would save the school $26,000-$36,000 per year. There was also some discussion as to whether or not additional insurance would be required to cover these panels and whether or not the grant would provide for the cost of this insurance. These questions remain outstanding. The board voted unanimously to approve the application for the grant.
3. Donations
The FFA received a $2500 donation from the South Central Mountain RCD Council to help fund supplies. Mr. Booky gave a presentation to the board showing some of the artwork that his students have been doing in their efforts to raise money to fund the supplies for the agriculture, welding and shop classes. He spoke of many projects that his students are doing, including making "no hunting" and "no trespassing" signs out of the skins of old hot water heaters, to signs for the fire department, to rustic benches from the old Solano trestle. I didn't get all of the names of all of the people who have offered to help, but suffice to say that Mr. Booky is actively soliciting help for his programs! The board voted to accept the donation.
4. Executive Session, Appointment of New Board Member, Swearing in of New Board Member
See separate post below.

Ed Woten is our Newest School Board Member

Among other business at tonight's school board meeting, the board met in executive session to discuss the three applicants who submitted letters of intent for the open school board position. Those applicants were Ed Woten, Dulaney Barrett and Rick Rogers. Both Ed and Dulaney were at the meeting. Rick Rogers was not present (this is the Rick Rogers who substitutes at the school, not the Rick Rogers who owns the automotive repair, or the one who lives in High Rolls.)

I asked if copies of the letters of intent would be available to the public, but was told that they would not be. Apparently these letters were what the board based its decision on, as there was no public Q&A session.  I have asked both Ed and Dulaney if they would give me their letters and both said they would. I'll post them as soon as I get them.

Prior to going into executive session, board president Terry Buttram asked if any of the board members minded if Mr. Hancock sat in on the executive session. Board member Bill Denney asked if that was legal and Mr. Buttram said that it was. He also noted that Mr. Hancock was not there for "input." None of the board members objected so Mr. Hancock was included in the executive session.

When the public meeting reconvened, the board voted unanimously that Ed Woten replace the outgoing D'dre Brock.

Cloudcroft Schools looking at Solar Energy

Among other issues that the school board will be discussing at its November 9 meeting will be the approval  of the application for a grant for a 100 KW PV Solar system (to put it mildly, this is a BIG solar system). If you would like to check out this program, you can visit the PED memo or the Governor's press release.

Cloudcroft Schools also received a grant for $150,000 for energy efficient lighting. The Governor has publicized this information here.

Yet another energy-related grant for Cloudcroft Schools was received from British Petroleum. Since I was involved in the writing of this grant, I know a little more about it. The school was awarded a $10,000 grant for a greenhouse, powered by solar photovoltaic and heated by solar thermal. This program will be used by science and agriculture students across the district to study botany and plant biology, as well as to learn about alternative energy sources. To help track the progress of the Greenhouse project, along with other "green" projects around Cloudcroft, I have established www.cloudcroftgreen.com. I'm very much looking forward to tracking the "green" efforts of our community.

Agenda for School Board Meeting to be held November 9

Here is the agenda for the school board meeting to be held November 9th (Monday) at 6 p.m. Among other things, the board will be selecting the new board member to fill D'dre Brock's position.

Parent Advisory Committee Meeting for Middle/Elementary School

I just received my automated call from the school that the Parent Advisory Committee for the Middle and Elementary Schools will be this Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Elementary School library. Kudos to the school for using their automated phone system to notify parents!

High School Parent Advisory Committee met Wednesday

The parent advisory committee for the High School met yesterday. Those present included yours truly, the  Hales, Ms. Gillespie, Ms. Provencher, Ms. Carter, Mr. Snoddy, Ms. Barrett, and the principal Roman Renteria. Items discussed included:

school safety: Mr. Renteria said we don't have any major problems

survey: to determine a baseline for students, teachers and parents as to their level of satisfaction with various aspects of the school, the group decided to formulate surveys for each group

communication: The group agreed that communication could be improved through the use of email for parents. When the surveys are sent out they will also make an effort to gather email addresses from those parents interested in that form of communication. The committee also noted that more use of the school's automated phone system would improve communication. The group recommended that things like the survey and various statistics that are maintained by the school be posted to the school's website.

enhancing curriculum: There was discussion about adding aspects to the curriculum that would help students develop themselves as community members.

Parent Advisory Committee meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Should We Be Looking to Save Money at the Top?

I heard that comments were made by the public at the last School Board meeting along the lines of saving money by eliminating administrative positions instead of student activities. I did some research on the PED website and was pretty surprised to find that our school's teacher-to-administrator ratio is 9-to-1, while other schools our size are anywhere from 17-to-1 all the way up to 48-to-1!

So I decided to call around to these schools and see how their administrative positions stacked up to ours. Clearly, the norm at small schools is for administrators to multi-task. You can view the results of my research at the following links and draw your own conclusions.

Administrative Positions for Schools with 400-500 Students Enrolled
Statistics for Schools with 400-500 Students Enrolled

Senior Parent's Night (but Juniors can come, too)

Senior Parent's night will be held at Cloudcroft High School on Monday, November 16th at 6 p.m. There will be college representatives and financial aid advisors on hand to guide parents and students through the application process and to answer questions. Juniors and their parents who want to get a jump on next year are also welcome to attend. Anyone wanting more information should contact Mrs. Provencher.

AP Classes Up and Running

AP classes are finally up and running! Now students will have to be up and running if they are going to make up for the 8 WEEKS of classes that they are behind. Again, this delay had NOTHING to do with Cloudcroft Schools...it falls squarely in the lap of PED and Aventa Learning. I am very disappointed that our State school officials didn't do a better job of getting a contract in place BEFORE school started. It is not like online AP classes are something new.

Cloudcroft Parents Worried

Yes, parents are getting more concerned about Cloudcroft Schools. This article was in the Alamogordo Daily News today:

http://www.alamogordonews.com/news/ci_13556096

As the article states, there are budget cuts rumbling around the legislature. As we have seen, our schools are sometimes quick to cut and restrict student programs. Every parent needs to pay attention to what is going on and try to come up with creative ways that the school can save money. And every parent needs to be active in these school board meetings.

UNM-PNM Statewide Math Contest

This contest is open to all New Mexico students.
Round 1 is Saturday, November 7, 2009, 9am-12pm at your local school (that is what the flyer says...I don't know if this is all grade levels or what!)

If you want more information you are to contact your math teacher or call (505) 277-5240

http://www.math.unm.edu/math_contest/contest.html

Parent Advisory Committee Meeting

Where: Cloudcroft High School, Library Media Room
When: October 14, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Opening for a School Board Member

The School Board has posted a notice asking for Letters of Intent from anyone interested in filling the board position being vacated by D'dre Brock. The letters are due by November 2nd. If you are interested in filling the position, you can see the details on the posting outside the Administration office.

School Board Member Resigning

I have heard that D'dre Brock will be resigning from the school board. She and her family will be moving to Texas to help care for elderly family members. We wish her the best of luck. The students of Cloudcroft Schools are losing a valuable advocate.

Agenda for October 12 Board Meeting

Click on the title above to view the Agenda as a pdf file.

AP Classes Still on Hold

Students signed up for AP classes across the state of New Mexico are still waiting for classes to start! I spoke to Carolann Gutierrez at PED (New Mexico's Public Education Department) yesterday. She said the contract between PED and Aventa Learning, who provides the online courses, is still under review. They are also waiting for the State of New Mexico to issue Aventa Learning a tax ID. No one I spoke with could give me any sense of when the contract would be finalized. Nor could anyone tell me how kids are supposed to make up for over six weeks of missed classes!

Getting to be PSAT Time **REVISED**

The PSAT will be given at Alamogordo High School on Saturday, October 17th AND at Cloudcroft on Wednesday, October 14th.

This test is for Juniors and is used to practice for the SAT, determine National Merit Scholarship eligibility, and get your student's scores in front of various universities.

www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

In Cloudcroft, both Sophomores and Juniors can take the test. There will be no charge for Sophomores, and a $13 charge for Juniors. There is a sign-up sheet in the Cloudcroft High School office, with space limited to 10 students per grade level. If Cloudcroft's spaces fill up, students can sign up at the Alamogordo High School Bookstore where the fee is $15.

Congratulations to D'dre Brock

Pressing out of town business forced me to miss the last school board meeting where D'dre Brock was elected to fill the position vacated by Terry Winkles. Congratulations to D'dre!

CMS to Implement Random Drug Testing for Students in Extracurricular Activities

It was an interesting athletics meeting this evening. Parents of students in all sports, plus other activities considered extracurricular, such as Band and Science Olympiad, are being asked to sign a permission slip so their student could be radomly drug tested. It sounds like if this form isn't signed, the student won't be allowed to participate.

There were a lot of questions from the parents in attendance. My sense was that this blindsided most of them, even though the school board had apparently addressed the issue back in October 2008. This seems like another example of poor communication between parents and administrators, and yet another reason to get this blog up and running.

Some of the points that I could hear that sounded interesting included one asking whether or not coaches, teachers or administrators would also be randomly drug tested. (The answer was "no.") Other comments were along the lines of why not randomly test from the entire student population, not just kids involved in extracurricular activities. (I didn't really hear an answer to that question.) It was also pointed out that in such a small community people had a pretty good idea of who was doing what, yet those kids were not tested unless a teacher actually saw them doing drugs. My brief Google search found this site: http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/testingfaqs.html which says that if a student "exhibits physical symptoms of being under the influence, and has patterns of abnormal or erratic behavior" testing could be implemented. So my question would be is the school actually applying a more limited interpretation of drug testing than they have to?

Community Members Donate Money to School

At the school board meeting of June 8, 2009, the board accepted the following donations from community members:

Madison Everett donated $1,000 to the High School. According to Mr. Hancock, this money will be put into direct instruction to be used for the benefit of students.

Martin & Diane Stewart donated $350 to be spent on German books for the High School's German language class.

School Board Agenda Publication

I asked the school board and Superintendent Hancock at the June 8, 2009 school board meeting to start posting the school board agenda on the outside window so it could be visible to the public outside of normal administration business hours. Superintendent Hancock and Administrative Secretary Teresa Housler agreed to this. Mr. Hancock also said that the agenda would start being posted on the school's web page www.cmsbears.org at the beginning of the next school year.

According to the Open Meetings Compliance Guide published by the New Mexico Attorney General http://www.nmag.gov/pdf/AGO%20OMA%20Guide.pdf
"Meeting notices shall include an agenda containing a list of specific items of business to be discussed or transacted at the meeting or information on how the public may obtain a copy of such an agenda. Except in the case of an emergency, the agenda shall be available to the public at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting. Except for emergency matters, a public body shall take action only on items appearing on the agenda. For purposes of this Subsection, an “emergency” refers to unforeseen circumstances that, if not addressed immediately by the public body, will likely result in injury or damage to persons or property or substantial financial
loss to the public body."

School Board Member Resigns

School board member Terry Winkles has resigned effective July 1, 2009. All school board members expressed their thanks for his service at the meeting held June 8, 2009.

Also discussed was the method which would be used to select his replacement. The board discussed having applicants submit a letter of intent by mid-July. The board will also develop a list of 10 questions that each applicant would be asked at the meeting scheduled for August 10, 2009. After each candidate presents a 2-3 minute introduction, and answers the same 10 questions, the board will decide in an open meeting who will replace Mr. Winkles.

Dual Credit and the IEP

The last I heard, the Dual Credit program would continue to be limited to 100-level classes. However, if a student has an IEP, that student would not be limited as to what classes would be available for dual credit.

If you are not familiar with an IEP (Individualized Education Program), it is part of the Special Education program. In New Mexico, that program includes kids from both ends of the intellectual spectrum. 

Another thing an IEP offers is CLOUT. If it is in that IEP, then the school better be paying attention to it.

So now the bottom line seems to be that kids with IEPs have no restrictions, while the other 80% of the students will continue to be limited to whatever 100-level courses are on the list approved by Cloudcroft.

How does this set with the parents of students that don't have IEPs?

Dual Credit

My first experience with Dual Credit came when my daughter wanted to take a class at NMSUA this summer. What I came to learn about the Dual Credit program was:

• The dual credit program would allow a student to take a college class and receive both college credit and credit for 1 elective at the High School level
• The University waives the tuition costs, CMS picks up the tab for books and "supplies", and the parents/students are responsible for transportation and course-specific fees.
  
• CMS has a list of courses that it will approve for dual credit. This list contains only some of the 100-level courses that are offered by the University (while Alamogordo HS has no limitations as to what courses it will approve).
• There are no written criteria for how a course is deemed to be acceptable for the Cloudcroft list
  
• Cloudcroft defines entry-level courses as 100-level, while the University has several entry level courses that are 200-level
• The legislature has funded the program, but the bill that would outline how those funds are to be dispersed did not pass the state senate. The funds still have not been dispursed to the schools
• Future funding will be based upon the number of students who participated in the program the prior year
• Probably fewer than 10 Cloudcroft students took advantage of the dual credit program this past school year
  

Why Is This Blog Here?

There are A LOT of teachers, administrators, board members, et al, who truly seem to care about the educational opportunities available to Cloudcroft students.

The goal of this blog is to support those who are dedicated to bringing our childrent the best possible education by reinforcing the fact that we, as parents and the community, are watching...and talking...and participating...and WE CARE.